Sentinel lymph node biopsy versus axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy with one to two metastatic sentinel lymph nodes: sub-analysis of the SINODAR-ONE multicentre randomized clinical trial and reopening of enrolment

Tinterri C, Canavese G, Gatzemeier W, Barbieri E, Bottini A, Sagona A et al, for the SINODAR-ONE Collaborative Group.

Br J Surg 2023; 110: 1143-1152.

After a median of 33 months, there were five recurrence is in each group, none in the axilla. Five-year recurrence-free, and overall survival rates were also similar. It was decided to continue enrolment into the study.

Comment: An important study, but low outcome rates threaten its power, so the authors have taken the unusual (but sensible) step of reopening it.